Do Cats Slow Down in Autumn?

Britt
by Britt
Published:  October 19th, 2023
Photo credit: Bachkova Natalia / Shutterstock.com

As the sunshine starts to fade, replaced by the cool autumn winds, cat owners may notice an interesting change in their furry friend’s behavior. Cats are often known for their boundless energy and curiosity. However, as we move into the fall months, many cat owners will notice their pets are slowing down into a new, more laid-back routine.


In this article, we dig into the reasons why cats slow down in autumn, including answering the question: “Do cats experience seasonal depression?” We will also share some tips and tricks to cheer up your sad cat and help them enjoy the colder months ahead.


Do Cat Behaviors Change with the Seasons?


The short answer is yes. Many cat owners report that their feline friends act differently during the fall and winter months. Some common changes include a difference in your cat’s sleep patterns, appetite, and overall mood.


For outdoor cats or indoor cats that are leash and harness-trained, the arrival of a new season means new experiences, including new smells, sights, and sounds. Anytime cats are faced with something new or different, the possibility exists that their reaction to their environment may change as well. But this isn’t the only impact on your cat…


From season to season, we see two key changes affecting a cat’s behavior – the temperature and the amount of daylight. A drop in temperature triggers a natural survival response in which your cat will slow down to conserve energy, allowing its ancestors to stay warm on the bitter cold nights in the wild. Meanwhile, a change in daylight has been shown to impact hormone levels.


Each of these factors will impact every cat differently. If you have multiple cats in your home, you may notice one slowing down considerably while the other doesn’t alter their behavior much at all – and that’s okay! Just like people, no two cats are the same.


Can Cats Get Seasonal Depression?


There currently is no research confirming that cats suffer from seasonal depression. However, many experts suspect they may suffer from a similar struggle to their human counterparts because of the shorter days and loss of daylight. This low mood and depression may also occur due to (or be escalated by) the lack of exercise that cats experience during the colder months.


Are Cats Less Active in Fall?


Have you noticed your cat lazing around or sleeping more during the autumn months? If so, you’re not alone! As we previously discussed, the temperature change often triggers a survival response to conserve energy. Your cat may prefer to spend their time curled up in their favorite cat bed, napping through the day, or cuddling in your lap, soaking up your body heat.


Keep your eyes open for any other signs of concern. But if you do not see any other reason to worry, the cozy fall attitude is normal. Enjoy the extra cuddle time with your best friend.


How Can I Tell if My Cat is Depressed?


As cat parents, we all want to provide the best life for our feline friends, both physically and mentally. This starts with learning to recognize when something is “off” or if there is something that we should address. Like us, our cats can suffer from mental health struggles like depression, which isn’t always easy to spot.


Here are a few signs your cat may be suffering from depression:

  • Sleeping more than usual
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Becoming more vocal
  • Failure to keep up with grooming needs
  • Loss of energy
  • Hiding or retreating from family members
  • Out-of-character aggression or fearfulness


If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian and discuss your concerns. They will likely ask questions about your cat’s home life and whether they have recently experienced any changes that may have triggered their mental health struggles. This can help to guide their treatment recommendations.


Mental health problems are not always treated with medications. In fact, many of the most effective treatment options are things that you can do at home.

Photo credit: Okrasiuk / Shutterstock.com

How Do You Cheer Up a Sad Cat?


There is no one-size-fits-all solution to feline depression. You may find the answer in the following situations. Or you may find that combining several of these tips is the right approach for your cat. Luckily, many of these are simple and easy to incorporate into your daily routine.


Be Patient


It can be frustrating or upsetting to deal with some of these symptoms. For example, if your cat is crying out all night, it could impact your sleep. Try to remember that your cat isn’t doing these things to spite or upset you – they are struggling, too! Your cat needs your patience, understanding, and compassion at this time.


Rule Out Other Medical Concerns


Signs of illness are rarely exclusive to just one condition. A quick checkup with your veterinarian will give them the opportunity to rule out physical ailments that could explain the physical and behavioral changes. If an underlying medical condition is at play, your vet can recommend the best steps for treatment. In many cases, addressing the underlying problem may also fix your cat’s mental health, allowing them to return to their usual selves. However, in some cases, a little extra love and care may be needed to move past their condition.


Address Unnecessary Stress


Has something recently changed in your home that could be causing stress and anxiety for your cat? If so, this could be a contributing factor. Cats may exhibit depression after significant life changes, like the loss of a loved one, a new family member joining the household, or a big move. Unfortunately, these situations aren’t easy to fix because you can’t rewind time – you will need to help your cat adapt to their new “normal” and move forward. But significant changes aren’t the only potential causes of stress.


Take a moment to reassess your cat’s daily routine and anything that could be upsetting them. Do you have another cat that may be picking on them? Have you been doing work in the house that could be bothering your cat, like a recent renovation? Reducing or removing a stress trigger could be the solution that you are looking for.


Stick to Your Routine


Cats crave routine. It gives them a sense of security and stability, which could help your cat overcome stress or anxiety in their daily lives. Feed your cat at the same time each day. If your cat is leash-trained and enjoys going for walks or spending time in the yard, try to stick to doing these activities at the same time each day. Does your cat enjoy snuggling with you in bed before you go to sleep? If so, try to do that daily, making it part of your bedtime routine.

Encourage Your Cat to Eat


If your cat has stopped eating because of their depression, this could quickly lead to further complications. While encouraging your cat to eat isn’t going to solve the greater problem (the depression), it can help to prioritize their health and well-being as you work to find the right solution.


Here are a few tricks that may help to entice your cat to eat:

  • Warm their food, as it will intensify the scent
  • Add strong-smelling (cat-friendly) foods like tuna
  • Water down or blend food for easier swallowing
  • Add salt-free broth or warm water to create a “gravy”
  • Rehydrate kibble to make it easier to eat
  • Feed your cat by hand
  • Offer your cat’s favorite treat either alone or mixed into their food
  • Try adding a food topper to their meal
  • Offer smaller meals more frequently throughout the day


If your cat has significantly cut back on what they eat or refuses to eat for a day or more, contact your veterinarian. In severe situations where a cat has gone without eating for a long time, they may recommend syringe feeding or bringing them in for supportive care.


Always ensure that they have access to plenty of cool, fresh water. Monitor the amount of water your cat is consuming. In the event that they stop drinking, contact your vet immediately.


Offer Entertainment and Enrichment


Boredom is one of the most common causes of feline depression. Luckily, it’s also one of the easiest causes to address and overcome. The best solution for boredom is to offer enough opportunities for entertainment and enrichment in your home, preventing boredom before it has a chance to set in. To begin, take a walk around your house and consider what opportunities currently exist in your home. Do they have scratch posts they can climb on? Are there fun and interactive toys or puzzle toys to play with?


One way to increase your cat’s playtime and reduce boredom is to plan to play with your cat using a wand-style cat toy. Not only could this help with your cat’s depression, but it is also an excellent opportunity to strengthen your bond.

For cat parents with a busy schedule, you may need to consider toys that allow for solo play. There are many interactive toys on the market designed to attract your cat’s attention and encourage them to play. Our cats love the PetSafe Peek-A-Bird Electronic Toy. The toy has a feather teaser that moves back and forth on each side of the toy. A motion sensor on the front activates the feather each time your cat comes near.


Try turning mealtime into an enrichment opportunity by feeding your cat using a food puzzle toy like the Nina Ottosson by Catstages Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play. If you feed your cat canned food or soft treats, a lick mat like the LickiMat Casper is another option our cats love.


Consider Another Cat


If the depressed cat is your only cat, and you are prepared to take on the responsibility of another animal, you may want to bring a second cat into the home for companionship. Of course, this will depend mainly on your cat and their comfort level with other pets. For some, the camaraderie and entertainment of having a playmate can help to reduce or eliminate their mental health challenges. However, for others, bringing another cat into “their space” can cause stress and anxiety, escalating the problem. You know your cat best.


Take a moment to evaluate your cat’s age and activity level – this should be factored into the decision process. For example, adding a kitten to a home with a senior cat can go two ways. For some, the kitten will encourage the older cat to be active and play. But this isn’t true for all. Some older cats will become annoyed and frustrated with the energy of a young kitten.


In addition to your cat’s feelings about a new feline family member, you must also consider the responsibility and commitment that comes with a second pet. You want to ensure this is the right choice for everyone in the household.

Speak with a Board-Certified Animal Behaviorist


Some situations are best handled by a professional. If your veterinarian has ruled out medical causes and all efforts to address your cat’s mental health have failed, you may need to consult a board-certified animal behaviorist. They will observe and assess your cat’s behavioral responses to better understand the reason for your cat’s struggles and how to address them.


Final Thoughts: Do Cats Slow Down in Autumn?


Is your cat slowing down as you enter the autumn months? If so, you’re not alone. There are several reasons your cat may be exhibiting a change in behavior, many of which are normal and not concerning. The shift in temperature and loss of daily sunlight can trigger a natural survival response, resulting in your cat napping more and conserving energy.

While no definitive studies have proven that cats can experience seasonal depression, many experts agree that many cats exhibit behaviors that would fall into this category. If you notice signs of depression in your cat, contact your veterinarian to rule out medical causes.


Treatment for seasonal depression will vary from cat to cat. While some will thrive off minor lifestyle changes, like creating a steady routine and eliminating stress triggers, others will require more significant changes, including introducing new mental enrichment opportunities or consulting a board-certified animal behaviorist.


The good news is that feline depression is treatable! It will take patience and compassion, but you can help your cat navigate this challenge and return to “normal” once again.

WOW
Britt
Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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Are you searching for a tasty treat to keep your pup occupied? Have you heard the warnings made by experts about the potential dangers of rawhide chews and are struggling to find a healthy alternative for your dog? A newer type of dog chew is gaining popularity in the pet world, beloved both by pets and their parents alike. Let’s discuss the benefits of collagen chews and why this would be a great option for your dog. What Are Collagen Chews? Before we get into the benefits, we’ll start with the basics. What exactly is a collagen chew? Like rawhide, a collagen chew is a dried animal product. However, it is made from the inner layer of a cow's skin instead of the hide. This may seem like a minor difference, but it makes the product much easier to digest, making it safer for pet parents concerned about the risk of obstructions associated with rawhide. Collagen chew products are available in various forms, including flat chews, sticks, traditional bone shapes, and rings. Each variation of the chew ranges in size, thickness, and, therefore, chew difficulty level. Do Vets Recommend Collagen Sticks? Yes! Many veterinarians recommend collagen chews as a healthy alternative to rawhide. This healthy and natural chew option offers many health benefits, including joint issues and dry skin. Most collagen chews are made from all-natural ingredients and are free from fillers, artificial colors, and artificial flavors, making them a healthy replacement for your dog’s favorite rawhide bones.Is Collagen Better Than Rawhide? While both collagen chews and rawhides are long-lasting chew options, collagen chews address many of the health concerns related to rawhide. If your dog loves rawhide chews, this is a great alternative. Like rawhides, collagen chews are long-lasting. However, if your dog swallows a portion of the chew, its digestibility makes it less likely that you will find yourself at an emergency vet paying for surgery to remove an obstruction.

Elephants Might Use Unique Names For Each Other, Just Like Us Humans

It seems that humans are not the only ones in the animal world to use personal names – according to a revolutionary new study, African elephants also refer to one another through unique sounds. The study, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, reveals that elephants can hear their own names over long distances, across the African savanna, and that they speak to one another through a series of low rumbles. The scientific team also reveals that elephants can learn to recognize and call to their mates using their “personal” names, instead of just basic sounds.“Here we present evidence that wild African elephants address one another with individually specific calls, probably without relying on imitation of the receiver,” the study reads.In order to achieve these impressive results, the study used machine learning to demonstrate that the receiver of a call could be predicted from the call’s acoustic structure, regardless of how similar the call was to the receiver’s vocalizations.A herd of African elephants was followed in jeeps in the wild, at Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve and Amboseli National Park, in order to closely observe their behavior and how they call out, and who responds."We've had several incidents where we've been with these elephants and the matriarch of the family will give a call, and everyone in the family will answer,” co-author and Colorado State University ecologist George Wittemyer, said to ITV News. "Then several seconds later, she'll give seemingly a very similar call and nobody in the family would answer except one individual."Researchers then played these recordings of the individual names to elephants and learned that the animals responded more enthusiastically by flapping their ears and lifting their trunks, whenever they heard their own names. “Just like humans, elephants use names, but probably don’t use names in the majority of utterances, so we wouldn’t expect 100%,” study author and Cornell University biologist Mickey Pardo added. Scientists say that animals with complex social structures and close-knit families are more likely to use personal names, as it helps them to be reunited if separated. “If you’re looking after a large family, you’ve got to be able to say, ‘Hey, Virginia, get over here!’ ” Duke University ecologist Stuart Pimm said.“Elephants are incredibly social, always talking and touching each other - this naming is probably one of the things that underpins their ability to communicate to individuals,” Wittemyer added, “We just cracked open the door a bit to the elephant mind.”

The U.S. Postal Service Just Released Its National Dog Bite Rankings

Not all dogs are friendly and calm, and U.S. Postal employees know this all too well. Just in the last year, incidents involving dog attacks on Postal Service employees have risen to more than 5,800 cases. In an effort to raise awareness of these issues, the organization started the USPS 2024 National Dog Bite Awareness Campaign and is now offering key guidelines on how dog owners can help foster a better environment for safe mail delivery. Starting on June 2nd and running through June 9th, the campaign is running under the slogan “Don’t let your dog bite the hand that serves you.” Supporters can also spread awareness on social media, with the hashtag # dogbiteawareness.“Letter carriers are exposed to potential hazards every day, none more prevalent than a canine encounter. All it takes is one interaction for a letter carrier to possibly suffer an injury,” said Leeann Theriault, USPS Manager, Employee Safety and Health Awareness. “The U.S. Postal Service consistently encourages responsible pet ownership. The national dog bite campaign is an effort to promote dog bite awareness to keep our customers, their dogs, and letter carriers safe while delivering the mail.”Letter carriers are aware that dogs can be unpredictable, and even those who seem docile can bite unexpectedly. This is because doggos are usually protective of their home and are suspicious of strangers, even if they are just postal employees. They are now trying to emphasize the importance of dog owners ensuring safer mail delivery. As most people know the usual time a postman comes each day, it should be easier to secure their pets and minimize the risk of dangerous situations. When a postal employee comes to your home, try to keep your dogs inside the house or behind a secured fence, away from the door, or on a leash. Besides this, owners can now use Informed Delivery, a new and free USPS service, which allows customers to digitally preview any incoming mail and packages from their computer, tablet, or smartphone. Since the service launched in 2017, it garnered more than 52 million customers. Sign-up is possible at informeddelivery.usps.com. All dog owners can now anticipate the arrival of the postman and prepare accordingly. Dog bites can be harmful and costly too. Information from the Insurance Information Institute reveals that the average cost per insurance claim for a dog bite is $64,555. When a postal employee gets bitten, the owner can end up responsible for lost wages, medical bills, uniform replacement costs, and the pain and suffering that the employee endured.Of course, all postal employees are trained to observe an area where they know dogs are present. They have to remain alert and expect dangerous conditions. But also they have to respect a dog’s territory and their natural instinct. Overall, they are trained to never startle a dog, never attempt to pet or feed them, keep their eyes on the dog, and lastly to never assume a dog will not bite. They are also instructed to use a dog repellant if necessary and try to protect their vital areas.“Even though a customer’s dog is friendly to most people, it can always have a bad day,” said letter carrier Tara Snyder. “I know, from experience, even when a dog is in the house, customers need to make sure their door is secure so their dog can’t push it open and bite the letter carrier.”As a stark glimpse into the rate of dog bites on postal employees, a ranking was released as a part of this campaign. This lists the top 20 cities where dog bites occurred in 2023. Leading the list at number one is Los Angeles, with 65 attacks reported, followed by Houston and Chicago, with 56 and 58 attacks respectively. As for the states, the most reported attacks occurred in California, 727 in total. 

Poll Reveals Biggest Pet Peeves of Dog Owners in the U.S.

We love our dogs endlessly, but that doesn’t mean they don’t occasionally get under our skin. Even the most beloved pets come with a little “extra baggage,” introducing unique challenges and hurdles in our lives.If you have ever had to cancel plans because you couldn’t find a pet sitter or call into work to take your pet to the emergency vet because they ate something they shouldn’t, you understand.Of course, they are worth the effort!But what is the biggest annoyance faced by pet parents? This is the question that Forbes Advisor set out to answer with a recent nationwide poll. They surveyed 10,000 dog parents to uncover their biggest pet peeves, both nationally and state-by-state.Dog parents across the country revealed their biggest frustration was finding a dog sitter when traveling, as shared by 37.3% of those surveyed. This was also the top in 43 states and ranked among the top three responses in all 50.This was followed by:Finding dog-friendly hotels (23.6%)Having to walk/exercise their dog (23.3%)The cost of owning a dog (22.9%)Excessive barking (19.8%)Excessive shedding (17.5%)The answer highlights the importance of finding and creating a list of trusted pet sitters before you need one. This ensures that you’re covered not only when making travel plans but also in the event of an emergency.There are many ways to find a trusted pet sitter. Consider asking your veterinarian, groomer, or friends/family for recommendations. You can also check websites like Fetch and Rover for pet sitters in your area or browse marketplace-style listings on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Kijiji.Just make sure you are doing your due diligence. Don’t leave your beloved pet with a complete stranger. Instead, take time to ask questions, check reviews, and verify credentials.At the bottom of the list, the least reported annoyance was “when my dog jumps up on/lays on furniture or beds,” reported by only 5.32% of dog owners. Delaware and Missouri were the states where this was most often listed as one of their top annoyances, while those in New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Rhode Island reported it the least.Additionally, the following answers were at the bottom of the list:Having to take their dog to the groomer (7.55%)Excessive drooling/slobber (7.56%)Checking their dog for ticks (7.58%)Their dog taking over the bed (7.72%)Are you interested in a state-by-state breakdown? Forbes Advisor also shared a chart highlighting the top three pet peeves for each state, giving you a more detailed look at the opinions of other dog parents in your area.Overall, the survey provides a fascinating insight into the struggles faced by dog parents. For many, it may serve as a reminder that pet ownership isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Adding a dog to your family is a commitment, one that requires a willingness to make changes or sacrifices to meet their needs.If you occasionally struggle with frustration related to these changes, you’re not alone. Thousands of pet parents across the country also feel this way!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Can Cats Suffer From Depression?

Does your otherwise playful and friendly cat no longer seem interested in their favorite toys? It’s natural to worry when you notice a change in your best friend’s behavior. Changes in your cat’s mood or activity level may signal that something more serious is happening. We often watch for the warning signs of physical illness, but what about depression? Did you know that your cat can also struggle with their mental health? This article will examine the very real risk of feline depression, including the warning signs, what to do if you suspect your cat may be struggling, and prevention tips. Discover helpful strategies to boost your cat’s mental health and help them get back to their usual playful, purring self today. Can Cats Get Depressed? Cats are known for their independence and aloof attitude, but this doesn’t mean they don’t feel things – sometimes very intensely. Just like people, your cat can suffer from mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. Not only does depression impact them mentally and emotionally, but it can also affect their physical health and well-being. This is why it’s important for us to acknowledge the risks, identify signs that something is “off,” and seek help for our cats when needed. How Can I Tell if My Cat is Depressed? We all know cats are masters of hiding when they aren’t feeling well. This is why physical illnesses and sicknesses can be so difficult to spot. The same is true for cats who are facing challenges with their mental health. The signs are often subtle, meaning we, as cat parents, must be hyper-vigilant. Some of the more common warning signs to watch out for include: Increased vocalization (constant meowing, yowling)Loss of appetite Unexplained weight loss Sleeping more than usual or at times they’d typically be active Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyedDecreased grooming or attention to hygieneDull, matted coat No longer seeking attention or interaction Out-of-character aggression or irritability Hiding or isolating themselves Many of these signs can also be associated with physical illnesses or diseases. If you notice any of these changes, make an appointment with your veterinarian. They will run tests to rule out any physical health problems before discussing recommendations to help manage your cat’s mental health.

New Bill Will Eliminate Housing Barriers for Pet Owners In California

California tenants with pets rejoice - a new bill that stops landlords from denying housing to pet owners is in the works!The chair of the California Legislative Renters Caucus, Matt Haney, has introduced legislation that would compel landlords to accept tenants with pets. The bill, AB 2216, will insist that landlords have reasonable reason(s) for not allowing a pet in the rental unit. The biggest change, however, is that the bill prevents property owners from asking about pet ownership before the tenant’s application has been approved.The new bill, which is sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States, aims to solve a big problem in the rental world - a surplus of tenants with pets and a lack of landlords willing to rent to them.California has one of the highest number of tenants in the country, and close to 70% of them are pet owners. Alas, under current law, only around 30% of all rentals are pet-friendly. The lack of pet-friendly housing is causing almost a million tenants to keep pets in their rentals hidden from their landlords. This solves nothing. On one hand, landlords are left without adequate coverage for potential damages. On the other hand, pet owners are left living in constant fear of being kicked out of their homes. Andrea Amavisca, a senior legislative advocate at the California Immigration Policy Center, told the LA Times that she and her partner spent over a month looking for a two-bedroom rental in Sacramento that would allow for a small cattle dog mix.“Landlords that initially liked our application would suddenly stop answering our calls once they found out we had a dog. Or others would require a pet deposit close to $1,000 that would put the unit totally out of our budget.”Amavisca added it felt unfair that almost every landlord had a different pet policy with varying fees they could change as they pleased. Some landlords charged only $20 a month while others asked for four-figure cleaning deposits. The new bill doesn’t address fees and doesn’t prevent landlords from excluding certain types of pets. Haney’s legislation defines a common household pet as a domesticated animal, such as a cat or dog, that is kept in the home for pleasure rather than commercial uses. While pet owners are relieved to hear about the legislation, property owners are already expressing their concerns. The biggest issue is that landlords will be forced to take on pets, and the increased risk of potential property damage that comes with pets, without a pet deposit as a safeguard. Haney explained that exceptions would be made for landlords with reasonable excuses for not allowing pets on their property. “What we see too often is just these blanket prohibitions of pets with no good reason for it, with no required justification for it and no protection of pet owners, who represent the majority of California’s renters, to be able to access housing just like anyone else,” said Haney.According to Jenny Berg, California director for the Humane Society of the United States, extra fees and bans add to the overcrowding crisis in animal shelters nationwide. “One of the reasons why people relinquish their pets is because they can’t find affordable housing or housing at all that can accommodate their pets,” she said. Haney’s bill could make a massive change, as it would remove the barriers tenants face when looking for housing for them and their four-legged companions.“We want a renter to be considered first and decision made about whether they meet the requirements for the apartment,” said Haney. “And then, after that fact, they disclose that they have a pet. And only if there’s a reasonable rationale to deny them, that would be allowed.” Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

World's Tallest Dog, Kevin, Dies Unexpectedly at Age Three

The world’s tallest male dog, Kevin, has died unexpectedly just days after his record-breaking accomplishment was announced to the world. According to a statement issued by the Guinness World Records, the gentle giant, who was only three years old, passed away after falling ill and undergoing an unexpected surgery. In March, Guinness World Records officially recognized Kevin as the world’s tallest living male dog.“Our whole family is devastated about Kevin. He was just the best giant boy,” said Kevin’s owner, Tracy Wolfe, in a statement. “We are so glad that he was able to break the record and have that light on him. He absolutely adored the attention. I wish these giant breeds, and all dogs, could live longer than they do. It’s never enough time.” Kevin secured his record after measuring 3ft 2in (0.97 meters) tall from his feet to his withers, or the ridge between the shoulder blades. However, when he stood up on his hind legs, Kevin was around 7ft tall, which is a foot taller than the average American man.The gentle giant got the title of the world’s tallest living male dog after the crown remained unclaimed for six months following the death of another American Great Dane. The previous record holder, Zeus, was 3ft 5.18in (1.046 meters) tall. Zeus had his right front leg amputated while battling bone cancer. Like Kevin, Zeus was only three years old when he suddenly died after developing a severe case of pneumonia. Just a few weeks ago, Guinness World Records published an interview with Kevin’s family, about how their pooch would act like he was clueless about his size. Wolfes described Kevin as a “gentle giant” who loved nothing more than snoozing on the sofa.“Kevin’s favorite activity is probably taking naps. Holding the couch down is his favorite pastime, I think,” said Tracy Wolfe. “Kevin is funny, and he is super duper friendly. In fact, overly friendly. You don’t want to keep your mouth open too much when he’s around,” she added. Named after the leading character in the Home Alone film series, Kevin was petrified of the vacuum cleaner. “He won’t let it come within six feet of him,” said Tracy adding that he would jump and run away from it. Many cats and dogs are terrified of vacuum cleaners because of the loud noises they produce. But Kevin’s fear of the vacuum cleaner was comical, considering how he towered over most things around him and was often mistaken for a small horse. The Wolfes welcomed Kevin into their family when he was just a puppy and couldn’t imagine that he would grow so big as to claim the title of the world’s tallest dog. The pooch was close to all members of the family but had developed a special bond with the Wolfes’ son Alexander, who took him to training classes.Despite his imposing size, Kevin was a scaredy cat. The first time Alexandar took Kevin to a training class at a youth development and monitoring organization, the pooch got so afraid that he soiled himself in the middle of the class. Kevin attracted attention wherever he went and he enjoyed every second of it. Sadly his stint as the world’s tallest living male dog was unexpectedly cut short. A spokesperson for the Guinness World Records said: “We are deeply saddened to learn that Kevin suddenly passed away after unexpected health complications. Tracy and the team at the vet clinic she works in did everything they could to save Kevin after he became ill. Our thoughts and support are with the Wolfe family as they navigate this difficult time.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Can You Prevent Joint Pain in Dogs?

As dogs near their golden years, different health issues tend to pop up – sometimes completely out of the blue, and sometimes a little less unexpectedly. One of the more common health problems dogs experience as they age that can be predicted fairly easily and as such prevented on time are joint issues. Providing proper support for your dog while they are still young and agile can dramatically improve their quality of life later on, so it pays to start thinking ahead when it comes to joint health, especially if your pet is in a high-risk group for developing this type of problem (large breed dogs, working breeds, highly active dogs, etc). Here’s what you need to know to make sure your pet doesn’t suffer from joint pain in their senior years.5 Crucial Steps to Prevent Joint Pain in DogsWhile some factors contributing to joint pain are beyond our control, there are different proactive steps we can take to support our pet's joint health:#1 Maintain a Healthy WeightJust as in humans, obesity in dogs exacerbates joint strain and can accelerate the onset of joint problems. A balanced diet will go a long way in helping your pet maintain a healthy weight, so strive to ensure they are getting only quality food that is based mostly on protein and doesn’t contain unhealthy fats and too many fillers such as soy or corn.#2 Provide Regular ExerciseModerate, low-impact exercise helps keep joints limber and muscles strong. However, be mindful of your dog's limitations, as pushing them too far can end up being counterproductive. Activities like swimming and walks are excellent choices, just make sure to tailor the pace to your pet’s capabilities.#3 Quality Supplementation Providing a diet rich in essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin, supports joint health. However, even when feeding a good quality kibble, it’s not always feasible to rely on your pet’s diet alone to be enough to provide all of these joint-nurturing ingredients in the right ratio. This is where dog joint supplements come in to enrich your pet’s diet with specific nutrients. 

Ghosts of Dead Pets May Help Owners Deal With Grief, Study Finds

Descriptions of paranormal encounters with the ghosts of deceased loved ones can be found in many human cultures. According to a YouGov survey, two in five Americans believe ghosts are real, while one in five report they’ve actually seen a ghost. In most cases, these paranormal experiences involve a deceased family member. But what about paranormal encounters with deceased pets? After all, most American paw parents consider their cats and dogs members of the family.Jennifer Golbeck, a computer science professor at the College of Information Studies at the University of Maryland, recently conducted the very first systemic study of the supernatural experiences of grieving pet owners. The results of the study were published in the journal Anthrozoos.Golbeck ran the study using social media, posting a question on Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter): “If you have lost a dog, have you had an experience like seeing their ghost, receiving a sign, did they communicate with you?” Then, she developed a coding system to categorize the answers.Golbeck received 544 responses, which she organized into two large categories - physical experiences (hearing, seeing, and touching the ghost of the dog) and interpreted experiences (receiving visits from the deceased dog in dreams, seeing signs in nature, and attributing feelings and phenomena to the spirit of the dog). A total of 315 owners experienced sensory encounters involving their dogs' ghost. The owners felt their dog’s touch, heard ghostly sounds, and saw their deceased pet. The most common sensory experience (37% of cases) involved hearing the dog, like a bark or the sound of nails clicking on the floor. Almost half (44.4%) of the physical experiences happened at night, and 45 owners reported that they’ve felt their dog lying in the bed next to them. According to Golbeck, 264 owners experienced interpreted interactions with the ghost of their dog. These included dreams in which the dog appeared, ghostly activities, such as objects moving, and signs in nature, which owners interpreted as messages from the deceased pet. Golbeck also asked the owners to describe their feelings about their supernatural experiences. The majority of respondents (74.6%) reported positive feelings, such as a sense of comfort, protection, reassurance, and even a gift. Only in a few cases (9%) owners reported feelings that fell into the mixed/sad category, including bittersweet, spooky, and heartbroken. The remaining pet owners (16%) viewed the paranormal encounters as messages from the deceased pet. According to Golbeck, these findings are significant because “psychology largely categorizes externalized continuing bonds - particularly seeing ghosts - as negative and even maladaptive.”On the other hand, the majority of pet parents participating in this study considered their supernatural experiences comforting rather than distressing. “This suggests there is something different going on in the grieving process for dog guardians that makes supernatural encounters operate differently than they do in more typical human mourning,” Golbeck wrote in the study.The study’s author also noted that there are only a few socially accepted rituals around pet animal deaths and no recognized mourning period. Often, pet owners' grief is downplayed, which creates an experience of disenfranchised grief where the owner is denied the grieving process. Golbeck also added that ghosts typically have a bad reputation, and are considered scary or a sign of guilt. However, she argues that seeing the ghosts of dead pets can be psychologically healthy, as they are displays of continuing bonds. “A seemingly magical visit from a ghost of a beloved lost dog offers a feeling of the mystical, the special, and a signifier of the importance of the relationship,” said Golbeck. “Such experiences would reasonably be seen as validating and comforting in the face of the invalidation of disenfranchised grief.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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